Regulations on Temporary Signs

The City of Sandy has regulations in the municipal code regarding temporary signs within city limits, which are explained below.  The regulations differ depending on the zone where a sign is placed; Sandy's Zoning Map can be viewed here.  These temporary sign regulations apply to political signs that candidates or measure sponsors often develop and distribute as part of their campaigns. 

Please note: signs are never allowed to be placed in the public right-of-way (i.e. immediately adjacent to the road).  Temporary signs must be placed on private property.

Please feel free to contact the City if you have questions about sign regulations.  The primary contact for sign questions is our Development Services Department.

Regulations in Residential Zones

• No Permits Required: Temporary signs in residential zones do not require permits.

• Number: A residentially zoned lot or parcel may have two temporary signs (freestanding or on-building), so long as the total combined area of the two signs does not exceed 16 square feet.
  • Additional temporary signs not exceeding six square feet each are permitted if erected not more than 45 days prior to an election and removed within five days following the election; except that one such sign may be up to sixteen square feet in area.

• Height: The maximum height of a freestanding temporary sign is six feet. No on-building temporary sign may extend above the roofline of the building on which it is located.

• Area: The maximum area of a temporary sign in a residential zone is 16 square feet.

• Anchoring: Temporary signs must be situated in a manner that prevents the sign from being blown from its location, while allowing the prompt removal of the sign.

• Duration: A temporary sign may only be displayed for 180 days total in any calendar year for each lot or parcel, or until the event associated with the sign has ended, whichever is earlier.

• A-frame Signs: Portable A-frame signs are considered to be temporary signs for purposes of this section. The height of an A-frame sign is limited to three feet and the area to six square feet.

Regulations in Commercial and Industrial Zones

• Permits Required: Temporary signs in commercial and industrial zones must receive a permit before being erected.  Permits may be obtained online by filling out this form.

• Number: One freestanding or on-building temporary sign is allowed per business, except that integrated business centers are allowed one freestanding temporary sign for each permanent freestanding sign that exists on the property. Banners on permanent freestanding signs are considered freestanding temporary signs.

• Height: The maximum height of a freestanding temporary sign is six feet. No on-building temporary sign may extend above the roofline of the building on which it is located.

• Area: The maximum area of a temporary sign is 32 square feet.

• Anchoring: Temporary signs must be situated in a manner that prevents the sign from being blown from its location, while allowing the prompt removal of the sign.

• Duration: A temporary sign may only be displayed for 180 days total in any calendar year for each lot, parcel, or business, or until the event associated with the sign has ended, whichever is earlier. This duration limit begins the first day the temporary sign is used and runs for 180 consecutive days, regardless of whether the temporary sign is removed during this period. A business may not display a banner for more than 60 consecutive days out of 90 days (i.e., a business must be free of any temporary banners for at least 30 consecutive days out of 90 days).